What Does Cruelty-Free Mean? +10 Ethical Brands

Final Up to date on March 18, 2025

By now you’ve most likely seen the cruelty-free label on a few of your merchandise. However what precisely does it imply? And the way does it correlate to sustainability? 

Many magnificence objects are labeled cruelty-free, reminiscent of cosmetics and skincare. However many different objects can carry the label, reminiscent of footwear, clothes, equipment and cleansing provides. 

The cruelty-free label primarily means no animals had been harmed within the making of mentioned product, or ingredient. That is necessary for a large number of causes, one being the inhumane therapy of lab animals. Most animals in laboratories usually are not legally protected and are subjected to horrifically painful experiments, typically with out ache killers. 

Moreover, animals used for lab testing contribute to air pollution and biodiversity loss. Animals, the commonest being monkeys, are sometimes taken from their pure habitats and bred in captivity for lab utilization. Alongside this, tens of millions of animal our bodies and bedding are disposed of every 12 months, creating organic hazardous waste.  

Sadly, as much as 126.9 million non-human vertebrate animals on a world scale are bred, used, and disposed for animal testing. This results in a slew of moral and environmental issues. 

That is why it’s important to search for manufacturers that don’t take a look at on animals at any time when attainable. There are a number of methods we will do that, like selecting to go vegan or plant-based, advocating for animal rights, and checking for cruelty-free licensed merchandise. 

Right here’s what it is advisable find out about animal testing and why choosing manufacturers that keep away from this issues. 

is cruelty-free similar as vegan? 

No, cruelty-free will not be the identical as vegan. Cruelty-free means the product was developed with none assessments on animals, whereas vegan means the product doesn’t embrace any animal-derived substances. 

Ideally, a product might be each vegan and cruelty-free. Nevertheless, simply because it’s vegan doesn’t mechanically make it cruelty-free, and vice versa. 

So, for instance, a plant-based lipstick derived from vegan substances can nonetheless be thought of “not cruelty-free” if it was examined on animals. 

RELATED: The Best Vegan Shoes: 8 Brands Making Cruelty-Free Footwear 

what’s the authorized definition of cruelty-free? 

There isn’t any authorized definition of cruelty-free. The time period can be utilized by any model – so preserve that in thoughts whereas procuring round for merchandise. Nevertheless, to make sure legitimacy, it’s greatest to search for certifications, like Leaping Bunny Certification. This ensures third social gathering testing was concerned. 

So as to get Leaping Bunny licensed, manufacturers should: 

• Adhere to a hard and fast closing date, an unalterable date after which neither the model nor any of its suppliers and/or producers might conduct, fee or be social gathering to animal assessments. 

• Arrange a Provider Monitoring System to make sure all their suppliers and producers adjust to Leaping Bunny standards. 

• Be open to unbiased audits to make sure their Provider Monitoring System adheres to the Leaping Bunny Customary. 

• Renew their dedication to the Leaping Bunny Program yearly. 

is cruelty-free a very good factor? 

Sure, cruelty-free is an efficient factor, as a result of it prevents pointless struggling and promotes extra moral testing of merchandise.  

When it comes to its environmental affect, animal testing is resource-intensive, requiring substantial quantities of water, meals, and shelter for the animals. The amenities housing lab animals eat power as much as ten instances greater than places of work on a sq. meter foundation. 

There’s additionally the problem of chemical waste. A variety of chemical compounds are used all through animal testing for sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization. Poisonous substances like irritants, neurotoxins and carcinogens are continuously used for prolonged intervals of time in giant quantities. These toxins can contaminate soil and water if not disposed of accurately.  

When animal our bodies are ultimately discarded after use, they’re typically incinerated on-site, which contributes to air air pollution. Incineration is extraordinarily dangerous to human well being, inflicting power sickness and developmental delays in close by populations. Between 11 to 44 p.c of U.S. laboratory staff expertise allergic reactions to laboratory animals. Between 4 to 22 p.c undergo from occupational bronchial asthma. 

By supporting cruelty-free manufacturers, you’re making certain no animal was harmed for the sake of your product. You’re additionally serving to extra moral, humane, and sustainable options grow to be the norm. 

what are cruelty-free merchandise? 

Cruelty-free merchandise are any product that isn’t examined on animals in every part of the manufacturing.  

I’ve compiled an inventory of manufacturers that don’t take a look at on animals. I’ve gone forward and highlighted some key options of every model, however it isn’t an exhaustive checklist. Make sure you take a look at their web sites for extra info.   

1. pacifica

• Pure skincare, haircare + cosmetics 
• Bio sourced substances  
• Vegan and cruelty-free  
• Companion with the ACLU and the Light Barn 

2. plaine products

• Pure, plant-based haircare and skincare   
• Rosemary mint vanilla, citrus lavender, and unscented choices  
• Refillable + comes plastic-free aluminum bottles   
• Vegan, cruelty-free, ladies owned, carbon impartial    
• 100% plastic-free transport 

3. ecoroots

• All-natural skincare and haircare merchandise 
• Numerous scents out there  
• Vegan + cruelty-free  
• Silicone Free, Phthalate-free & Paraben Free  
• Plastic-free transport 

4. brixy

• Pure shampoo, conditioner + physique wash bars 
• 3 scents out there: citrus, mint eucalyptus and coconut vanilla  
• Vegan + cruelty-free  
• Free from palm oil, sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, artificial scents + colorants   

5. ethique

• Pure physique + haircare merchandise 
• Numerous scents + sorts out there  
• Vegan + cruelty-free  
• Plastic free + house compostable packaging 

6. good time

• Pure hair + physique bars 
• No parabens, sulphates, or preservatives  
• Vegan + cruelty-free  
• Carbon impartial transport  
• 50% of earnings to scrub water initiatives 

7. patch

• Compostable bamboo bandages  
• Come packaged in recycled cardboard  
• Natural content material  
• Vegan + cruelty-free 

8. megafood

• Sustainable nutritional vitamins and dietary supplements  
• USDA Licensed Natural  
• Dedicated to regenerative agriculture  
• Honest employment practices  
• Lobbying to ban glyphosate  
• Vegan, gluten-free + cruelty-free 

9. blueland

• Sustainable cleansing + private care merchandise
• Refillable + compostable refill packets 
• Hypoallergenic 
• Leaping bunny licensed 
• B corp 

10. nae shoes

• Ladies, males + unisex footwear 
• Vegan + cruelty-free 
• Comprised of sustainable supplies like Pinatex, apple pores and skin, cork, natural cotton, and so forth. 
• Pre-loved program permits you to ship again your footwear to be recycled or resold 

So, which of those sustainable manufacturers freed from animal testing would you prefer to strive? Let me know within the feedback!